help identifying and finding value of this bell

[JaneA]

This bell was sent by my grandfather when he was in WWII. I believe he was in Australia, Africa and India. The bell is approx. 2 inches tall. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/45491302/Grampy ... G_0165.JPG and http://dl.dropbox.com/u/45491302/Grampy ... G_0167.JPG

[gmiddleton]

Sorry Jane,
I don't know if others are having this issue, but I get a 404 (web page not there) error when I use your links to the photos!
Could you check that please?
Thanks
Garry

[Carolyn Whitlock]

Jane,

I had no problem with your links. What you have is a brass elephant bell from India that sits in a holder. The elephant bell itself is quite common. It is less common, but not rare, to find an elephant bell with its holder. By no means do all elephant bells have holders. Most don't.

By any chance does it say SARNA or Bells of Sarna on either piece? Sometimes Sarna's name is etched with little dots on one of the claws.

Carolyn

[JaneA]

Hi Carolyn,

I am waiting to hear back from my mom for the answer to your question. She has the bell at her house. Thanks for the reply! I'll be back in touch!

Jane,

I had no problem with your links. What you have is a brass elephant bell from India that sits in a holder. The elephant bell itself is quite common. It is less common, but not rare, to find an elephant bell with its holder. By no means do all elephant bells have holders. Most don't.

By any chance does it say SARNA or Bells of Sarna on either piece? Sometimes Sarna's name is etched with little dots on one of the claws.

Carolyn

Jane

[Carolyn Whitlock]

Jane has sent me an e-mail with this information:

Hi Carolyn,

I'm not familiar with this bulletin board, so I'm not sure if you see posts
in reply to your posts, so I'm emailing you directly. Here is what my mom
said about the bell:

"Inside the bell part are a big A and a smaller something that may be an H.
They are close to the center near where the clapper is attached. I don’t
see any other marks." Here's a zoom in on the "A":

Thank you to you and your Mom for taking the time to photograph the inside of the bell. Unfortunately, I have never seen an "A" on the inside of an elephant bell. Judging by the points on the end of the claws, I would speculate that this is older than a Sarna bell. Sorry I can't help you with more information about your bell but perhaps someone else can.

It is my opinion that the loss of one of the claws diminishes the retail value of the bell. Having said that, I'd like to leave you with this quote:

“I value things not for what they are worth but for what they represent.”

- Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature, 1982

Savor what you know about your bell! It meant enough to your grandfather to have thought it was worth bringing home as a souvenir of his time in the service. When you hold it in your hand, think of him and how he used to hold it. Not everyone has something that was touched by their grandfather! Enjoy it!

Carolyn

P.S. Yes, everyone can see whatever you write in response.

[JaneA]

Thanks Carolyn! I love the quote-- we will probably never sell the items sent/brought back home by my Grampy (maybe my grandchildren will, but we won't ). Just curious as to the history and value for insurance purposes. Thanks again for your help!

[Carolyn Whitlock]

Jane,

It is my personal opinion that there is little monetary value to your bell. Its value is truly the sentimental value. With the broken claw, it could be difficult to sell. If it were in perfect condition, I'd say it might bring in the range of $10-$20, if that, but I am certainly not an appraiser. I just know what I would or wouldn't pay for a bell based on many years of collecting.

Continue to enjoy your family heirloom!

Carolyn